4 Browning context

Personal context

• her intense Methodist faith
• classical education
• already an established, successful poet
• 39 at time of epistolary [by letter] courtship with Robert Browning
• an invalid, reclusive at family home
• six years Robert's junior
• believed a loving relationship with him most unlikely
• controlling attitudes of father - opposed any of his children marrying
• poems private meditations, not intended for publication

Social and historical context

• Victorian era 1840s and 50s
• religious beliefs - although some questioning of institutional religions, Christian faith and values widespread and strong
• patriarchal [male dominant] values - women perceived as passive and subservient
• in middle and upper classes, restrictive courtship conventions and rules of etiquette
• open expressions of emotion and sexuality repressed
• women disadvantaged at law in terms of wealth and property ownership
• women often needed to marry for economic security; this took precedence over passion or emotion